Ignition cable identification system for internal combustion engines

ABSTRACT

Apparatus is disclosed for coding the sockets of a distributor cap and the ignition cables mounted therein to permit temporary separation of the ignition cables from the distributor cap while maintaining correspondence therebetween. A template having a scalloped periphery is located upon the top of the distributor cap to engage adjacent cones of the distributor cap sockets. Each socket is uniquely identified by indicium disposed on the template in proximity to the socket. A plurality of clips, each marked with a similar one of the indicia on template, are attached to the ignition cables mounted in the correspondingly identified sockets. The ignition cables may then be detached from the distributor cap and subsequently reattached in the proper sockets by mating the idicium on the clips with the indicium of the sockets.

United States Patent Zygmunt Jan. 21, 1975 I IGNITION CABLEIDENTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES [76] Inventor:Frank J. Zygmunt, 1125 E.

Campbell, Phoenix, Ariz. 85014 [22] Filed: Nov. 16, 1973 [21] Appl. No.:416,406

[52] U.S. CI 40/2, 116/124, 40/316 [51] Int. Cl. A44c 3/00 [58] Field ofSearch 35/1, 10, 13, 49, 73; 40/2, 2.2; 33/80 AT, 81 AT; 116/124 D [56]References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,020,335 2/1962 Gillis 40/316 X3,459,878 8/1969 Gressitt et a1 40/316 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS876,475 11/1942 France 40/316 1,110,710 7/1961 Germany 40/316 PrimaryExaminer-Joseph S. Reich Assistant Examinerwenceslao J. ContrerasAttorney, Agent, or FirmCahill, Sutton & Thomas [57] ABSTRACT Apparatusis disclosed for coding the sockets of a distributor cap and theignition cables mounted therein to permit temporary separation of theignition cables from the distributor cap while maintainingcorrespondence therebetween. A template having a scalloped periphery islocated upon the top of the distributor cap to engage adjacent cones ofthe distributor cap sockets. Each socket is uniquely identified byindicium disposed on the template in proximity to the socket. Aplurality of clips, each marked with a similar one of the indicia ontemplate, are attached to the ignition cables mounted in thecorrespondingly identified sockets. The ignition cables may then bedetached from the distributor cap and subsequently reattached in theproper sockets by mating the idicium on the clips with the indicium ofthe sockets.

9 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures PATENTED JAN 2 1 I975 IGNITION CABLEIDENTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES The presentinvention relates to coding systems for electrical cables, and, moreparticularly, to a coding system for establishing correspondence betweenthe ignition cables in an internal combustion engine and the sockets ofa distributor cap.

When repairs are made to an internal combustion engine, it is oftennecessary to remove the ignition cables from within the sockets of thedistributor cap. These ignition cables must be replaced in the propersocket or else the firing order will be disrupted. The resultingmisfiring, should the engine be operated, may cause damage to theengine.

Several approaches have been taken in an attempt to uniquely mark eachof the ignition cables to permit temporary detachment thereof withoutdanger of misassembly. An early approach to a solution of the problem isshown in US. Letters Pat. No. 1,551,954, wherein color coded ignitioncables were connected to similarly identified cables forming a part ofthe total wire harness in an automobile. However, the patent does notteach any means for mating the ignition cables with the respectiveterminals of the timer itself. The use of color coded cables presentsseveral disadvantages. The color code may be indistinguishable after aperiod of time in that dirt and grease would tend to hide or otherwiseobliterate the colors. Further, the coding system taught by the abovecited patent would require that existing ignition cables be replacedwith appropriately color coded cables, which replacement would entailsubstantial cost to an operator.

Another approach to the problem has been embodied in the concept ofcutting each ignition cable to a unique length, which length isproportional to the distance from each spark plug to the respectivesocketwithin the distributor cap. Where the distributor cap is centrallymounted with respect to the cylinders of either in line or opposedengines, several of the ignition cables, even though of slightlydifferent lengths, are readily interchangeable. Therefore, the varyinglength ignition cable system is not fool proof.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide acoding system for ignition cables, which system is useable inconjunction with presently available internal combustion engines.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a coding systemfor internal combustion engines having any number of cylinders.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a codingsystem for internal combustion engines, which system is useable with anycylinder configuration.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a first meansfor uniquely identifying each of the sockets of a distributor cap and asecond means for correspondingly identifying each of the ignitioncables.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a templatemountable upon a distributor cap for uniquely identifying each of thedistributor cap sockets.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a uniquelyidentified clip attachable to each ignition cable of an internalcombustion engine.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide aninexpensive coding system for mating each ignition cable with a socketin a distributor cap.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art as the description thereof proceeds.

The present invention may be described with greater specificity andclarity with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the present invention mounted upon a distributor capof an internal combustion engine.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the template of the present inventionmounted upon a distributor cap.

FIG. 3 illustrates a clip of the present invention attachable to anignition cable.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a distributor cap 1, which cap isrepresentative of the distributor caps used for distributors in internalcombustion engines. Cap 1 includes a plurality of peripherally displacedupwardly directed cones 2 and a centrally located cone 3. Theperipherally disposed cones 2 correspond in number to the number ofcylinders of the internal combustion engine. Each of cones 2 includes asocket 4 for receiving one end of an ignition cable 5. Generally, theignition cable 5 extending'from each of cones 2 is attached to the anodeof a spark plug. The cable (not shown) extending from socket 6 withincentral cone 3 is generally the high tension cable connected to the highvoltage coil of the ignition system.

As is well known to those skilled in the art, the purpose of thedistributor is that of generating a timed charge of electrical energy.The purpose of the distributor cap 1 is that of providing a means forconnecting each of the ignition cables 5 to the electrical chargegenerating mechanism in a sequence corresponding to the firing order ofthe spark plugs. It therefore becomes apparent that each spark plug mustbe electrically connected to the appropriate socket 4 in order topreserve the specified firing order.

When repairs or maintenance must be performed on an internal combustionengine, it is not unusual to temporarily remove ignition cables 5 fromwithin sockets 4. On reconnection of the ignition cables to theirrespective sockets, it is absolutely necessary that each cable ismounted in the correct socket or else the firing order will be disturbedand the engine will not run or may be damaged if it runs at all. Toassure the correct reattachment of ignition cables 5 to their respectivesockets 4, a template I0 is mounted upon distributor cap 1.

Template 10 includes a central aperture 11 for receiving central cone 3without binding. It is, of course,

necessary to remove the high tension cable from within socket 6 ofcentral cone 3 to permit template 10 to be threaded upon the centralcone. The periphery of template 10 is scalloped such that each ofscallops [2 generally corresponds to and mates with one of cones 2. Thespikes 13 intermediate adjacent scallops l2 fits between adjacent cones2. It may therefore be understood that template l0, resting upon theupper surface of distributor cap 1 will be inhibited from rotation withrespect thereto by spikes 13 extending adjacent cones 2.

As shown more clearly in FIG. 2, template 10 is divided into a pluralityof sections 20-27 with each section being adjacent one of cones 2. Eachsection is identified by indicia 30-37, such as numerals 1-8,respectively. In the alternative, each section may be color coded or beotherwise distinguished by unique indicia.

Referring jointly to FIGS. 1 and 3, the apparatus for identifying eachof ignition cables 5 will be described. Each of a plurality of clips 15are attached to one of ignition cables 5. Each clip includes uniqueindicia corresponding to the indicia disposed upon one of sections20-27. As shown in FIG. 3, the indicia on one of the clips may be in thenumberal l, which numeral corresponds to indicia 30 of section 20.

The clip itself may be formed as a split ring having an internal recess17 diametrically corresponding to ignition cables 5. By forming clip 15of resilient material, it may be mounted upon its respective ignitioncable by passing the latter through slit 16 into recess 17.

In operation, prior to detachment of any ignition cables 5 fromdistributor cap 1, the high tension lead disposed within central cone 3is detached. Template is mounted upon distributor cap 1 by threadingcentral cone 3 through aperture 11 while orienting the template toposition the spikes 13 intermediate adjacent cones 2. The orientation ofindicia 30-37 may be randomly selected with respect to cones 2. Clips 15are secured to each of ignition cables 5 while insuring that the indicia38 disposed upon each clip corresponds with the indicia upon template 10adjacent the cone to which the respective ignition cable is attached.Therebyieach of ignition cables 5 are coded to correspond with one ofcones 2 adjacent the identical indicia disposed upon template l0.Ignition cables 5 may now be detached from distributor cap 1.

Where the ignition cables 5 cross the distributor cap 1 and prevent themounting of template 10, an alternative procedure for positioning thetemplate may be used. In such a case, the clips are sequentiallyattached to the cables to correspond with the order of indicia upon thetemplate 10. The cables obstructing the template may then be detachedfrom the distributor until the template can be positioned thereon. Whenthe template is mounted on the distributor cap, the indicia thereon ismated with the indicia of the clips on the remaining attached cables.Because the earlier attached clips were arranged in sequencecorresponding to the order of the indicia on the template, the removedcables are correctly identified with their respective cones 2. Thus, theintegrity of the cable identification system of the present invention ispreserved even if some, but not all, of the cables are removed prior tothe mounting of the template.

Upon reattaching each of ignition cables 5, care must be taken to insurethat the indicia 38 on clip 15 mates with the indicia 30-37 of template10 adjacent the cone to which the ignition cable is reattached. When allof the ignition cables 5 have been reattached, clips 15 are removed andtemplate [0 is lifted off the distributor cap. The high tension cable isreplaced within socket 6 of central cone 3.

In the alternative, the template 10 may be left mounted upon thedistributor cap 1 to facilitate later disassembly and reassembly of theignition cables.

From the above description, it will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art that template l0 and clips 15 may be used in conjunction withany presently existing internal combustion engine without modifying orotherwise altering the existing ignition system. Furthermore, the shapeand configuration of template 10 may be varied as necessary toaccommodate not only different sized distributor caps l but also toaccommodate various numbers of cones 2 corresponding to the number ofcylinders in the internal combustion engine.

While the principles of the invention have now been made clear in anillustrative embodiment, there will be immediately obvious to thoseskilled in the art many modifications of structure, arrangement,proportions, the elements, material, and components, used in thepractice of the invention which are particularly adapted for specificenvironments and operating requirements without departing from thoseprinciples.

I claim:

1. In an internal combustion engine including a distributor cap having acentral cone and a plurality of peripherally positioned cones, each ofthe cones having a socket disposed therein to receive one of a pluralityof ignition cables detachably fitted within the sockets, apparatus forcoding the ignition cables with their respective sockets, said apparatuscomprising in combination:

a. a template positionable upon the distributor cap, said templateincluding means for mating with the central cone;

b. orientation means disposed in proximity to the periphery of saidtemplate for engaging at least one of the peripheral cones to preventrotation of said template with respect to the distributor cap;

0. a plurality of unique indicium located upon said template, each saidindicium being located in proximity to one of the peripheral cones; toidentify the respective cone; and

d. identification means detachably connected to each of the ignitioncables for identifying each ignition cable, each of said identificationmeans including indicium corresponding to one of said indicium locatedupon said template; whereby, said template is positioned on thedistributor cap and said identification means is connected to each ofthe ignition cables such that said indicium of said template and saidignition cables correspond with one another prior to detachment of theignition cables from the distributor cap to permit subsequent correctreassembly of the ignition cables and the distributor cap by matchingsaid indicium.

2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said mating meanscomprises an aperture for receiving the central cone.

3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said orientation meanscomprises a plurality of scallops about the periphery of said template,each said scallop being in proximity with one of the peripheral cones.

4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said orientation meansincludes a plurality of spikes extending radially at the junctionbetween adjacent ones of said scallops.

5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said spikes extendintermediate adjacent peripheral cones.

6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said identificationmeans comprises a plurality of resilient clips.

7. The apparatus as set forth in claim 6' wherein said indiciumcomprises numerals disposed upon said template and said clips.

8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said identificationmeans comprises a plurality of resilient clips.

9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein said indicium comprisesnumerals disposed upon said template and said clips.

1. In an internal combustion engine including a distributor cap having acentral cone and a plurality of peripherally positioned cones, each ofthe cones having a socket disposed therein to receive one of a pluralityof ignition cables detachably fitted within the sockets, apparatus forcoding the ignition cables with their respective sockets, said apparatuscomprising in combination: a. a template positionable upon thedistributor cap, said template including means for mating with thecentral cone; b. orientation means disposed in proximity to theperiphery of said template for engaging at least one of the peripheralcones to prevent rotation of said template with respect to thedistributor cap; c. a plurality of unique indicium located upon saidtemplate, each said indicium being located in proximity to one of theperipheral cones; to identify the respective cone; and d. identificationmeans detachably connected to each of the ignition cables foridentifying each ignition cable, each of said identification meansincluding indicium corresponding to one of said indicium located uponsaid template; whereby, said template is positioned on the distributorcap and said identification means is connected to each of the ignitioncables such that said indicium of said template and said ignition cablescorrespond with one another prior to detachment of the ignition cablesfrom the distributor cap to permit subsequent correct reassembly of theignition cables and the distributor cap by matching said indicium. 2.The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said mating meanscomprises an aperture for receiving the central cone.
 3. The apparatusas set forth in claim 2 wherein said orientation means comprises aplurality of scallops about the periphery of said template, each saidscallop being in proximity with one of the peripheral cones.
 4. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said orientation meansincludes a plurality of spikes extending radially at the junctionbetween adjacent ones of said scallops.
 5. The apparatus as set forth inclaim 4 wherein said spikes extend intermediate adjacent peripheralcones.
 6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein saididentification means comprises a plurality of resilient clips.
 7. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein said indicium comprisesnumerals disposed upon said template and said clips.
 8. The apparatus asset forth in claim 1 wherein said identification means comprises aplurality of resilient clips.
 9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 8wherein said indicium comprises numerals disposed upon said template andsaid clips.